MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER

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1 MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER S t. S c h o l a s t i c a s P r i o r y L e o n G u i n t o S t r e e t M a l a t e, M a n i l a, P h i l i p p i n e s Vol. III No. I January 2013 We thank the Lord for returning Mother Adelaida to our native Philippines. She was elected Prioress of Manila at an Election Chapter held at St.Scholastica s Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay today, January 4, The day will be capped with her installation by Mother Angela Strobel, OSB, the Prioress General, during the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and concelebrated by Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Rt. Rev. Abbot Tarcisio Narciso, OSB of our Lady of Montserrat Abbey. One who meets Mother Adelaida for the first time gets the impression of a friendly sister, with a ready smile, but a quiet one as well, ready to listen and to enter into conversation. A comfortable feeling that encourages one to a greater closeness and warm friendliness. A trait that helps one who is a missionary, while at the same time, encourages the other to somehow do similarly. Sister Adelaida is the middle of three daughters of the late Mayor Amado and Adelaida Ygrubay of Calbayog City. Baptized Corazon Natividad, she was known as "Corina" to family and friends. She received "Adelaida," her late mother s name, as her religious name. She earned her Bachelor s degree in Medical Technology at the University of Santo Tomas. She interned, and later worked, as a medical technologist at the then St. Paul s Hospital in Tacloban until she entered the convent on November 21, She made final profession in Already as a junior sister, she volunteered to work in the social apostolate, which she did for about 15 years. During this time, she was elected National Coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines for three years. After a short stint as superior of the school community in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, she was sent in 1988 for studies at the Institute of Religious Formation in St. Louis University, Missouri, USA and for a Licentiate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Upon her return, she was assigned to formation work as postulant directress and later on as directress of junior sisters. She was Academic Dean at the Institute of Formation and Religious Studies, Quezon City when she was elected Vicaress General of the Congregation in 2006, a term she held for six years. Words from M. Adelaida: After six years in the General Council, I am happy to be back. I was hoping to quietly take up formation work again in the Priory, after some rest and updating. But our plans do not always coincide with God s plans, and while I still am on vacation mode and a bit slow to comprehend what just happened, I assure you that I will honor the trust you put in me today. I accept the election with no idea what your expectations are, not having been part of your discernment. But I believe in your support and, with God s grace, look forward to learning from you all I need to learn to discharge this responsibility well. By:

Page 2 the continuous unfolding of the Holy Spirit s action The year, 2012. There was election of a prioress in January. The prioress elect was at the time outside of the country. She came in March.

2 Page 2 the continuous unfolding of the Holy Spirit s action The year, There was election of a prioress in January. The prioress elect was at the time outside of the country. She came in March. Was installed prioress in April. Traveled to Rome in July to resume another major mission, chairing the preparatory commission (PrepCo) in preparation for the general chapter. goodbye and welcome; welcome and goodbye! In Rome, the general chapter (G.C.) commenced in September; PrepCo concluded. Manila Priory s new prioress and former PrepCo chair stayed on, being an ex officio member of the G.C. The G.C. lasted five weeks, from September to October. During the first week, the new prioress of Manila, former PrepCo chair, and current G.C. member was elected vicaress general. The vicaress general elect returned to Manila Priory at end of October. Cluster echo chapters were held, together with discernment process, in late MANILA PRIORY December, in preparation for election of a new prioress. The new prioress now became the old prioress, in other words, the outgoing prioress, and, in addition, the incomingvicaress General. thank you and goodbye; congratulations and welcome! The year, On the 2nd 4th of January, 144 final professed sisters gathered in Tagaytay, at St. Scholastica s Center for Spirituality to elect again a new prioress. Who was elected? The former vicaress general. In other words, the outgoing vicaress general now becomes incoming prioress. And the outgoing prioress of Manila now becomes the incoming vicaress general. THIS IS NOT a riddle, not a mythic story, not an apocalyptic writing, not an intricate choreography of rigodon de honor! It is the narrative of unfolding of actual events and actual dates, involving real people. Yes, we were, and are, at once spellbound and shocked, at once elated and disappointed, not quite sure whether to rejoice or to complain, whether to embrace or resist the realities. Yet, in faith, we believe it is the Holy Spirit s action, a response to the

echo what the outgoing prioress, Mother Lumen

last, Common Letter: Mother Adelaida Ygrubay,

4th, 2013 at the election chapter presided by

celebration presidedcelebrated by His Eminence

In the evening we had a festive program with

priory, and, finally, a festive supper marked

3 Vol. III No. I January 2013 Page 3 collective prayers and discernment of the Manila Priory. To make this report factual, let this writer echo what the outgoing prioress, Mother Lumen Gloria Dungca, OSB, wrote on her 23rd, her last, Common Letter: Mother Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, was elected prioress of Manila on January 4th, 2013 at the election chapter presided by the Prioress General, Mother Angela Strobel, OSB, held at St. Scholastica s Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay City. The prioress elect was officially installed on the same day, at the eucharistic celebration presidedcelebrated by His Eminence Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, with His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Rt. Rev. Abbot Tarcisio Narciso, OSB. In the evening we had a festive program with presentations by all the 20 communities of the priory, and, finally, a festive supper marked with rejoicing and thanksgiving. It was all a celebration in praise and thanksgiving for the dynamic, ever-flowing stream that brings forth life wherever it flows. By: Sr. Marissa Piramide, OSB

Lumen invited me to come to Tagaytay, I was still on vacation mode, and somehow I still could not get emotionally in tune with what could possibly happen. But then, here it is, and I have said yes.

4 Page 4 4 January 2013 His Eminence Cardinal Tagle, Cardinal Rosales and Right Rev. Abbot Tarcisio, Mother Angela, Mo. Irene, Sr. Lumen, dear Sisters and formandees, Monet, my sister, Me-an and Kit When Sr. Lumen invited me to come to Tagaytay, I was still on vacation mode, and somehow I still could not get emotionally in tune with what could possibly happen. But then, here it is, and I have said yes. For how could I say no to the election? I am happy to be home with all of you, for one, and also because I recognize that everything I have become and have achieved, I owe to the support and opportunities provided me by the superiors and sisters of the Manila Priory. I am happy to serve this Priory. MANILA PRIORY To remember, to honor and to enshrine Blessing of the new mausoleum in Baguio, Notwithstanding the cold climate, the 27 th of December last year brought sunshine and warmth especially to our home and community in Baguio City. More than 30 sisters from the Priory House and our communities in Angeles, San Fernando, Marikina, Manila, Westgrove and other nearby houses journeyed to Baguio City. The majority arrived the previous day while a few more came the morning of the 27 th. The event: blessing of the sisters mausoleum. At the same time, I feel a bit of hesitation and maybe fear? because I have not really been with you for the past six years. I have not even been with you when you voiced your expectations for your next Prioress at your discernment sessions. So I hope that in the coming months and years I can hear from you what matters to you most, and together, we can move the Priory forward, with God s help Moving the Priory forward is also moving forward with the whole Church in this year of faith, to work with the Church towards a New Evangelization that shares first of all, the depths of our own faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior. This is a task that we have to face together in our next Priory Chapter in April, but it is also something that each one of us is already living out in our daily Conversatio. It is in faithfulness to our life that we find the old and new treasures worth sharing with others. I look forward to discovering these treasures with you and sharing them with the people we meet and serve. Finally, dear Sisters, rest assured that I will honor the trust you put in me. With God s grace and with your support, we can be evangelizers by the witness of our faith and love. The stone-and-concrete graves that we knew since way back where many of us, resident as well as vacationing sisters, would like to spend some moments of quiet and prayer has been transformed into a stately structure. It now houses the remains of our deceased sisters who were previously buried in this little cemetery, in the public cemetery and in a private memorial park in Baguio; also the remains of sisters taken from their graves in Manila. As of now I cannot announce to you the new sub -prioress but I am keeping Sr. Lydia for the rest of the school year. Rest assured we will work as a team. Thank you! Sr. Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB

Vol. III No. I January 2013 Page 5 The sisters who arrived the day before had the special opportunity of going down the hill after Vespers to marvel at the the mausoleum by night.

(Recommendation: sisters who will be visiting or vacationing at our Baguio home from now on, should not fail to arrange for a visit and view of the mausoleum by night).

Mother Prioress Lumen Gloria Dungca opened the event with words of welcome, acknowledging particularly the presence of benefactor Mrs. Wilma Crumb Crisostomo and Fr.

5 Vol. III No. I January 2013 Page 5 The sisters who arrived the day before had the special opportunity of going down the hill after Vespers to marvel at the the mausoleum by night. A sight to behold, so impressive and stately, made possible by the masterful positioning of electrical lights inside, below, above and outside the building. (Recommendation: sisters who will be visiting or vacationing at our Baguio home from now on, should not fail to arrange for a visit and view of the mausoleum by night). At mid-morning of said date the sisters and the few guests gathered at the site. Mother Prioress Lumen Gloria Dungca opened the event with words of welcome, acknowledging particularly the presence of benefactor Mrs. Wilma Crumb Crisostomo and Fr. Ephraem Molina, OSB, of San Beda Manila. Followed the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon by Mother Lumen Gloria and Mrs. Crisostomo amid the singing of the sisters. Followed the rite of blessing scripture readings, prayers and songs officiated by Fr. Ephraem. (Credit goes to Sr. Angeline Arceo, OSB, for preparing and organizing the rite.) It was a brief, simple celebration of praise and thanksgiving for the mystery of life-death-and-resurrection, as well as praying for our dear departed members of the Manila Priory. The celebration concluded with a repast served in the convent which served as snacks, or lunch, or both, according to individual need. Finally, departure of the guests and visitors. cannot but acknowledge the leadership and inspiration of Mother Lumen Gloria, the labors of our sisters in the Procurator s Office, in particular Sr. Constance Tecson, OSB, for her zealous and persevering job of accomplishing the numerous official business with authorities in both public cemeteries and private memorial parks; collecting, reviewing and authenticating the necessary documents and related business; organizing and supervising the construction workers; and the many trips she made from Manila to Baguio and back, interspersed between other responsibilities. We wish to acknowledge all who have contributed to the realization of the project. We cannot possibly mention every one, however, we We likewise acknowledge the valuable contribution of our Postulant Jean Geraga for the architectural and structural design of the building; also the cooperation and support of our sisters in the Baguio Community. And in a most special way we acknowledge the generous financial donation of Wilma Crumb Crisostomo.

Page 6 The property, then called Mount Providence, was acquired by the sisters in March 1917.

that place. Mr. Wagner, an American, lived in a beautiful place in Baguio, with his wife and two children. The boy got sick of dysentery and died. Mr. Wagner was so afraid that his wife and daughter might also get the same disease that he was in a hurry to sell his property and go back to America.

6 Page 6 The property, then called Mount Providence, was acquired by the sisters in March On The Missionary Benedictine Sisters in the Philippines , we read the beginnings of our house in Baguio: Mother Angela made inquiries about the possibility of acquiring a vacation home in that place. Mr. Wagner, an American, lived in a beautiful place in Baguio, with his wife and two children. The boy got sick of dysentery and died. Mr. Wagner was so afraid that his wife and daughter might also get the same disease that he was in a hurry to sell his property and go back to America. The place was beautiful and large and the location was suitable for a Sisters convent. The negotiations were quickly finished and Mother Angela hurried back to Manila with the good news: at last, they had a vacation home. Through the years, St. Scholastica s Convent remains a treasured home for rest and relaxation of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters. Today, we feel a sense of accomplishment of a new landmark that stands along with our convent in Baguio. The deceased, we know, do not need a resting place built of marble and granite such as what we now have in La Loma and Baguio. It is us, still living, who wish to remember, to honor and to enshrine the faithfilled lives of our foremothers and foresisters. By: Sr. Marissa Piramide, OSB To remember, to honor and to enshrine Words of gratitude from the benefactor MANILA PRIORY Immediately after the rite of blessing of the new mausoleum, Mrs. Wilma Crumb Crisostomo spoke for a few minutes. Partly to introduce herself, but more to explain why she made a donation for such a project. An accomplished woman of humble beginnings, she shared how the Benedictine sisters of San Fernando, Pampanga then mostly German have played a great role of shaping her into who, what and where she is today. Instantaneously her voice broke, a teardrop rolled down her cheek, but quickly she recovered her composure and continued to speak. I did not expect it would look like this, referring to the impressive structure, and, seeing that the landscape and the pathway definitely needed additional outlay, she assured, I ll take care of this. She reminisced that she, a girl of humble beginnings, was taken in with no questions asked; was treated as if she were one of the paying boarders. The day I was taken in by the sisters of San Fernando, my life changed, she declared with a radiant smile. Her audience, the sisters and the few guests present, could well conclude that Wilma s decision to make such a donation is clearly an act of sheer gratitude and honest acknowledgment of a gift she had received from the sisters. The gift of not just material like shelter, food, and clothing; not just the opportunity of education but the gift of a life changed.

the military in Mindanao. Impunity continues to permeate in Mindanao. One proof is the slow-paced trial of the Ampatuan massacre.

They are here in Manila to protest the violations on their rights. To date, there have been 34 environmentalists killed, 24 of them were Lumads. No one has been held accountable for the killings.

7 Vol. III No. I January 2013 Page 7 MANILA December 2, 2012, Participants of Manilakbayan visited the Benedictine nuns for a dialogue on their plight and sufferings from the hands of multinational corporations and the military in Mindanao. Impunity continues to permeate in Mindanao. One proof is the slow-paced trial of the Ampatuan massacre. But it is not limited to that, Jean Marie Serraris, one of the participants of Manilakbayan, said during the dialogue. Manilakbayan is a caravan of victims of human rights violations from Mindanao. They are here in Manila to protest the violations on their rights. To date, there have been 34 environmentalists killed, 24 of them were Lumads. No one has been held accountable for the killings. There are also 159 activists facing trumped-up charges. There are lots of human rights cases that are yet to be documented because the victims are afraid to speak out, Aida Siesa, secretary general of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas in Southern Mindanao, said. Nuns would be of big help to pressure the government, Jomorito Goaynon, chairman of Kalumbay, an indigenous peoples organization, said. Sr. Stella Matutina OSB, a Benedictine nun currently working with and helping victims of human rights violations, said helping indigenous peoples and protecting the environment is both a pastoral imperative and a moral thing to do. We have a Mining Act of 1995 that allows the destruction of the environment while we have people who are ready to fight for their lives and livelihood, Sr. Matutina said, We are with the people especially the minority who can hardly protect themselves from these big mining companies. Sr. Matutina has her own share of human rights violations for actively campaigning for the rights of indigenous peoples and against large-scale mining operations in their area. We have to consider fear. I am also being vilified (being accused by the military of being a member of the New People s Army) and they say I am just masquerading as a nun, she added, Death will come anytime because they will kill anyone who tries to protect the people they want killed. Last month, members of the military phoned the Benedictine sisters based in Davao asking if Sr. Matutina is currently staying there. They were looking for me.

Page 8 The moment you choose to protect the weak and the truth, you bear witness to Christ, Sr.

With the escalation of killings, we cannot stay silent. Sr.

If we are silent, who will help and protect them? We need to show them that God is with them.

We will bring their struggle in our hearts and to God, Sr. Lumen Gloria Dungca OSB, mother prioress of St.

Participants of the Manilakbayan would also be given an opportunity to share their experiences to

Dungca added she hopes that the students, too, would be moved to help the victims of human rights

Text and photos by JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Feast of Santo Nino Jan.

children of street families in leading the offertory procession, singing a communion song and presenting

All children who attended the holy mass were given candies by Mother Adelaida, OSB. Sr.

General Back to Rome Dec. 29, 2012 - Jan.6, 2013 Sr.

Marie Eva Kim, OSB Back to Daegu, Korea after exposure Aug. 22, 2012 Jan. 12, 2013 Sr.

8 Page 8 The moment you choose to protect the weak and the truth, you bear witness to Christ, Sr. Matutina said, I can live a comfortable life but this is my decision. With the escalation of killings, we cannot stay silent. Sr. Matutina also criticized the corporate greed that has led to the killings of indigenous peoples. If we are silent, who will help and protect them? We need to show them that God is with them. Just like what has been said, the dialogue has enriched us in many ways. We will bring their struggle in our hearts and to God, Sr. Lumen Gloria Dungca OSB, mother prioress of St. Scholastica s Manila Priory, told Bulatlat.com. Participants of the Manilakbayan would also be given an opportunity to share their experiences to students of St. Scholastica s College. Sr. Dungca added she hopes that the students, too, would be moved to help the victims of human rights violations in various ways such as by writing to government agencies to press for justice for the victims. Text and photos by JANESS ANN J. ELLAO Feast of Santo Nino Jan. 20 Special features of our celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino is the participation of Tuluyan children of street families in leading the offertory procession, singing a communion song and presenting a recorder piece after the mass. All children who attended the holy mass were given candies by Mother Adelaida, OSB. Sr. Remedios de los Reyes, OSB From Windhoek, Namibia January 16, 2013 Mother Angela Strobel, OSB Prioress General Back to Rome Dec. 29, Jan.6, 2013 Sr. Abraham Lee, OSB (J) Back to Daegu, Korea after exposure Aug. 22, 2012 Jan. 12, 2013 Sr. Marie Eva Kim, OSB Back to Daegu, Korea after exposure Aug. 22, 2012 Jan. 12, 2013 Sr. Lumen Gloria Dungca, OSB Vicaress General To: Rome, Italy January 18, 2013 MANILA PRIORY Sr. Immaculata Hormillosa, OSB Date of Birth: Sept. 6, 1922 Place of Birth: Manapla, Negros Occidental Diocese: Bacolod Date of First Profession: April 21, 1952 Date of Final Profession: April 23, 1955 Missionary Service in the Manila Priory Manila, Legaspi, Taal, Bacolor, LapuLapu, Ormoc, Tacloban, Bacolod, Baguio, Priory House, St. Benedict s Home, Marikina We express our gratitude to all who have contributed to this newsletter. Sr. Virginia Ferino, OSB Priory Secretariat Maria Anabel Alcaraz Layout Editor

MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER

MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER S t. S c h o l a s t i c a s P r i o r y 2 5 6 0 L e o n G u i n t o S t r e e t M a l a t e, M a n i l a, P h i l i p p i n e s Vol. IV No. 3 May 2014 NEW PRIORY HOUSE TAGAYTAY